A. E. KÖCHERT

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Three sepia portraits of 19th-century men are displayed over an architectural line drawing of a classical building, hinting at the history of the house through its grand windows and ornate details.

Introduction to the history

It gives us great pleasure to offer you an insight into our “treasure trove”. With the help of a number of our precious items, we want to give you an overview of the history of our House.

Jakob Heinrich Köchert, Emmanuel Pioté, Alexander Emanuel Köchert

1814

Frenchman Emanuel Pioté opens up a goldsmiths’ workshop in Vienna. The Congress of Vienna begins the same year. Thanks to his artistic enamelling work, it is not long before Pioté acquires an outstanding reputation.

Cross pendant: gold and emeralds, c. 1820

Ornate gold cross pendant with intricate filigree design, inspired by the rich history of the house, featuring a green gemstone cross at the center and a small silver loop at the top for attaching to a chain.
A diamond floral brooch in a blue velvet box sits above a pearl and diamond branch brooch on a plain white background, capturing the timeless elegance and rich history of the house.

1819

Jakob Heinrich Köchert, originally from Riga, applies to work for Pioté. He marries the Frenchman’s sister-in-law, and soon becomes a partner in the ambitious goldsmiths’ business. Köchert brings the art of mounting large gems with him from St. Petersburg, where he has spent his years as an apprentice.

Rose brooch: diamonds, c. 1845
Flower brooch: diamonds and pearls, c. 1850

1827

Prince von Metternich, the most important client – and mentor – of “Pioté et Köchert”, sends a valuable armband to the lady who has captured his heart, the Duchess of Lieven, with the words: “To the things one manages to achieve in Vienna in style, belongs everything to do with jewellery and precious stones.”

Flower tiara: diamonds, c. 1840
Duchess of Lieven with jewelry from Pioté und Köchert, c. 1820
Tag: „Pioté & Köchert,
Joailliers de la Cour de S.M.I. & R.“

A diamond floral tiara, a vintage painted portrait of a woman in a red hat, and an old jewelry maker’s label with cursive writing evoke the rich history of the house, all displayed on a light background.
A rectangular gold box with intricate floral and scrollwork engraving covering its surface, this ornate piece reflects the rich history of the house in its decorative design.

1831

The Austrian Emperor Franz I – the “Kaiser”- commissions the ambitious company to produce a gold box for the Turkish ambassador. A year later, the coveted honorary title of “Kaiserlich Königlicher Hofjuwelier”, or “Imperial Royal Court Jeweller” is bestowed upon Pioté and Köchert. 

Gold box engraved, c. 1830

1838

Production of the imperial insignia to mark the coronation of Kaiser Ferdinand as King of Lombardy-Venetia. 

Emperor Franz I, 1832
Emperor Ferdinand I, ca. 1838
Design: Orb of Lombardy-Venetia by Peter Fendi c. 1838

kaiser_franz_I_ferdinand_I_1838
Gold geometric brooch and matching earrings with engraved designs and dangling spheres, displayed on a white background. The initials ÆK appear in the lower right corner, hinting at the rich history of the house behind these elegant pieces.

1844

Alexander Emanuel Köchert joins the company. Under his stewardship, Köchert is destined to become one of Europe’s foremost jewellery houses. To this day, every piece of jewellery which leaves the workshop at the company’s headquarters on Neuer Markt is hallmarked with his initials, “AEK”.

Brooch and earrings: Gold, c. 1835; hallmark AEK

1849

Not quite 50 years after its founding, the company Köchert is already about to reach its first high point: Kaiser Franz Joseph appoints Jakob Heinrich Köchert as his personal jeweller – the Imperial Royal Court and Chamber Jeweller.

Picture frame: Franz Joseph I, enamel, various gemstones, 1873

A vintage oval-framed portrait of a man in a white military uniform with medals and a sash. The ornate gold-detailed frame and plaque hint at the rich history of the house, set against a deep black background.
A 19th-century portrait of a woman in a white, off-the-shoulder gown with puffed sleeves, her long curly hair adorned with delicate flowers—an elegant presence linked to the history of the house, standing beside a vase of pink blooms.

1854

Six years after his coronation as the Austrian Kaiser, Franz Joseph marries the ravishingly beautiful Princess Elisabeth von Bayern. That same year, Alexander Emanuel Köchert takes over the management of the company from his father.

Empress Elisabeth with diamond stars from the House Köchert, 1865

1858

Kaiser Franz Joseph commissions Köchert to create a set of 27 diamond stars for Elisabeth – “Sisi” – which the Kaiserin has artistically plaited into her hair. By doing so, Sisi triggers a fashion throughout Europe: suddenly, stars are en vogue wherever one looks.

Design drawings and photos: diamond stars of empress Elisabeth, c. 1860

A collection of star-shaped jewelry designs, inspired by house history, including brooches and pendants in various sizes and metallic tones, arranged on a plain light background.
Ornate gold and pearl brooch with intricate scrollwork, set with diamonds and pearls, reflects the detailed craftsmanship and rich history of the house, featuring a symmetrical design on a plain white background.

1865

In the second half of the 19th century, the age of Historicism, the predilection for décor and vibrant colours is revived in Vienna – presages of Art Nouveau, which is destined to play such a key role in shaping the handicrafts and art of the capital a few years later. Kaiserin Elisabeth acquires a brooch in the Historicist style from Köchert

Brooch in Brooch in the style of historicism for Empress Elisabeth: diamonds, pearls, enamel, c. 1865

1870

As the Chamber Jeweller, Alexander Emanuel Köchert is also entrusted with the supervision of the Imperial treasury. Under his guidance, the Austrian imperial crown is furnished with an intricate edging of pearls. By doing this, Köchert completes the previously unfinished imperial regalia.

Austrian imperial crown, completed by Alexander Emanuel Köchert in 1870

An ornate, gold imperial crown adorned with pearls, gemstones, and intricate designs, this regal piece reflects the rich history of the house; it’s topped with a prominent dark-colored stone set on a cross. The background is plain white.
Top: An elegant jewelry store interior with wooden display cases and a chandelier nods to the history of the house. Bottom: A close-up of an ornate necklace and matching earrings with intricate detailing and dangling pearls.

1873

The famed Ringstraße architect Theophil von Hansen, already responsible for creating such Viennese gems as the Musikverein, Parliament and Stock Exchange, designs the company’s new business premises in the Maysederhaus at Neuer Markt 15. He also designs other items, including the Byzantine tiara and the Swan Trilogy, for which the House of Köchert is awarded first prize by an international jury at the Vienna World’s Fair in 1873.

“Schwanenparure” necklace and earrings by Theophil v. Hansen: 1st Prize World Exhibition 1873

1875

Following the death of his predecessor Kaiser Ferdinand I, Kaiser Franz Josef inherits a vast fortune, and extensive commissions are received from the royal house as a result. One high point amongst these is the vine leaf set, a jewellery combination created for Kaiserin Elisabeth using emeralds and diamonds taken from a corsage of Maria Theresia’s.

Draft “vine leaves diadem” for Empress Elisabeth, 1875
Cream-colored floral lace applique with intricate flowers and small green leaves arranged in a symmetrical, arching pattern on a white background, reminiscent of designs seen throughout the history of the house.
A jeweled brooch shaped like a flower, adorned with diamonds, rubies, and a single pearl at the center, set in silver-toned metal—a timeless piece reflecting the rich history of the house against a plain white background.

1880

Heinrich and Theodor Köchert take over the helm at the company – the third generation of the family to do so. Something like 50 goldsmiths are now creating outstanding, much-admired tiaras and necklaces at the House of Köchert. By now, Köchert is being mentioned in the same breath as the other great jewellers of Europe, such as Mellerio, Boucheron and Cartier.

Brooch: rubies, diamonds, pearl, c.1890

1885

Köchert’s regular clients now include numerous aristocrats and families belonging to the nobility. The Köchert family, who have a deep love of the arts, foster intense contacts with visual artists and musicians including Brahms, Bruckner and Hugo Wolf, who is provided with financial support by Heinrich and Melanie Köchert.

Design drawing and brooch: diamonds and sapphires, c. 1897

Two ornate brooches displayed on a white background reflect the rich history of the house: one features silver with blue gemstones in a scrolling design, while the other is a bow-shaped brooch adorned with clear crystals and a central blue gem.
A delicate brooch shaped like a flower branch with leaves and blossoms, adorned with sparkling white stones and pink gemstones, reflects the rich history of the house, set against a plain white background.

1889

Following the death of Crown Prince Rudolf, Kaiserin Elisabeth withdraws from the Viennese court almost entirely. It is Elisabeth herself who introduces the Kaiser to the popular actress Katharina Schratt, whose passion for jewellery surpasses even that of the Kaiserin.

Fuchsia brooch: diamonds and rubies, gift from the Kaiser to Katharina Schratt, c. 1900

1908

As the Ottoman Empire gradually collapses, a series of new monarchies, such as the Tsardom of Bulgaria, begins to emerge along Europe’s eastern border. The crown jewels of the new tsardom are ordered from Köchert. An exquisite tiara of lilies is produced for Tsarina Maria Louisa, who has originally been born into the Bourbon family.

Maria Louisa of Bulgaria; design drawing: tiara of lilies for Tsarina Maria Louisa of Bulgaria, c. 1910

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A black-and-white photo of a bride and groom is shown below an ornate necklace, adorned with blue gemstones and sparkling clear stones, evoking the timeless elegance woven into the history of the house.

1911

Following the morganatic marriage of the heir to the Austrian throne, Franz Ferdinand, to Countess Sophie Chotek, the young  Archduke Karl becomes the next claimant to the imperial throne. To mark his marriage to Zita von Bourbon-Parma, the Kaiser himself commissions his Chamber Jeweller to produce a magnificent diamond tiara.

Wedding of Kaiser Karl and Zita, with bridal jewellery from the House of Köchert, 1911; necklace: diamonds and sapphires, c. 1910

1916

The death of Kaiser Franz Josef at the height of World War I heralds the end of an era. His successor, the young Kaiser Karl and his wife Zita, order a vast array of pieces of jewellery of all shapes and sizes featuring their initials from Köchert. These are used to honour personalities deemed worthy, or serve as gifts for guests at the royal household.

Design drawing: Karl and Zita armband; “K” armband: gold, enamel and diamonds, gift to guest from Kaiser Karl, c. 1915

Two gold chain bracelets: the top showcases white beads with pastel letters spelling KZAIRTLA, a subtle nod to the history of the house; the bottom features a round red charm with a white K and a delicate crown on top.
Four pieces of jewelry on a white background evoke the charm of historical homes: a jeweled butterfly brooch, a white fan-shaped brooch, a silver ring with a purple stone, and a square gold ring with a yellow stone.

1918

Following the collapse of the Hapsburg Empire, Vienna remains the cultural and economic – if no longer political – centre of the sprawling central and eastern European region. This signals the beginning of the period that has come to be known as the “Roaring Twenties”, with old and new money alike spending uproariously in the Austrian capital and adorning itself in the very latest styles of jewellery.

Butterfly brooch: emeralds, rubies and diamonds, c. 1915; design drawings: brooches in Art Nouveau style, c. 1910

1920

The economic crisis of the 1920s sees vast fortunes simply evaporate in value just as quickly as they have been accrued. This is not a bad time for jewellers, as jewellery becomes a highly sought-after port in a storm, as a stable investment during periods of hyperinflation. The turbulent social changes being undergone also see the emergence of a new style: Art Deco.

Design drawings: armbands in Art Deco style, c. 1930

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A black, rectangular ring featuring a built-in green bubble level at the center—perfect for those interested in the history of the house—displayed against a plain white background.

1922

After taking over the company, Theodor’s sons Erich and Wilfried Köchert guide it skilfully into a new era. Erich’s half-brother, the painter Erwin Lang, designs unique pieces of jewellery. He is to help shape the design of the House of Köchert until the 1960s. His stone rings evolve into genuine classics, and continue to be produced at the company’s workshop to this day.

Stone ring: onyx and peridot, after a design by Erwin Lang, 2008

1925

A fertile interaction evolves with other creative centres in the city, such as the Wiener Werkstätte. Some of the techniques originally developed by the Wiener Werkstätte, including the finessed knotting technique of the Coccinelle line,  continue to be used at Köchert to this day. 

Design drawing by Erwin Lang for a “Collier de Chien”, c. 1925; “Coccinella” earrings: diamonds and corals featuring knotting technique of the Wiener Werkstätte, 2014

A pair of dangling earrings with textured red oval drops and sparkling silver tops, elegantly displayed above a grid of small circles in blue, cream, and white—each element echoing the rich history of the house.
zigarettendose_entwurf_diadem

1928

As a consequence of the break-up of the Ottoman Empire, Albania, too, becomes a monarchy. The country’s new rulers desire sufficiently prestigious jewellery, and turn confidently to the Kaiser’s jeweller to fulfil their needs. King Zogu’s crown, along with a tiara for each of his six sisters, are created by the House of Köchert.

Cigarette case: gold and enamel, design by Erwin Lang, c. 1930; design drawing: Capricorn tiara for the wife of the Albanian king, c. 1930

1945

The Second World War, and subsequent construction of the Iron Curtain just a few kilometres east of Vienna, prove to be further major turning-points for the House of Köchert. It means important markets are lost overnight – while at the same time, new such opportunities are born with the beginning of mass tourism. 

Brooch: diamonds and pearls, design by Erwin Lang, c. 1948

Elegant brooch featuring a gold and silver swirl design, adorned with small round pearls and sparkling clear gemstones—a timeless piece inspired by the rich history of the house, set against a plain white background.
A gold necklace with green gemstones, diamonds, and a central red gem, paired with a matching round gold brooch featuring a curved diamond and green gemstone design that echoes the rich history of the house.

1955

Under Gotfrid Köchert – famed as the “racing jeweller” due to his passion for yacht racing – and Dietrich Köchert, the House of Köchert consolidates an enviable reputation as a specialist in refined high-carat precious stones and classic jewels. After the catastrophe of the World War, there is huge pent-up demand for jewellery. In 1956, when the Opera Ball is celebrated for the first time since the war, jewels from the House of Köchert can be seen to truly twinkle once again.

Necklace: emeralds, diamonds and rubies, design by Erwin Lang, c. 1955;
brooch: emeralds and diamonds, design by Erwin Lang, c. 1960

1986

Dieter Köchert revives the company’s age-old tradition of collaborating with artists. These include the architect Hans Hollein, who designs a collection for the House of Köchert with great success. Contemporary artists and designers continue to be key partners of the company to this day.

“Träger“ brooch, Hans Hollein, 1986

A gold, minimalist metallic object shaped like a curved bar with two vertical legs extending downward forms an abstract, symmetrical design, evoking the elegance of historical house architecture against a plain light background.
A collage featuring a wristwatch, two men in suits shown in oval frames, and a diamond star-shaped brooch pays tribute to the history of the house, all set against a plain white background.

1991

Following the untimely death of their father, Christoph and Wolfgang step in and take over responsibility for the destiny of the House of Köchert. Working on the basis of a long history in jewellery, they develop a new, classically Köchert style; “Sisi’s Stars” are revived using the original designs, and prove to be a triumph. But there’s more. The Köchert watch is introduced, and finally, in 20xx, a second luxury outlet is opened, in Salzburg, under the finessed management of Florian Köchert.

Köchert watch: 18kt gold, available since 1995
“Kaiserin Elisabeth“ diamond star, 2014
Christoph, Wolfgang and Florian Köchert

2001/2005

Florian Köchert joins the company in 2005. A second store opens in Salzburg under his management. 

A man in a blue suit stands in the doorway of A.E. Köchert, a jewelry store rich in house history, with red window coverings and elegant displays on a city street.
A silver necklace, a spiked silver ring, a colorful gemstone ring, and an ornate egg-shaped pendant are arranged on a white surface with a paintbrush and tubes of paint, reflecting the creative history of the house.

2014

To mark the occasion of the anniversary of the 200-year-old founding of the company, an “Anniversary Collection” is developed with major Austrian artists

2015

Renovation and redesigning of business premises and workshop at Neuer Markt together with BWM-Architekten.

Elegant jewelry store interior with glass display cases, chandeliers, and dark wooden floors. Arched ceilings hint at the rich history of the house, while a tufted booth creates a luxurious, inviting atmosphere.
Neuer Markt

2021/22

After overcoming the challenges of operating through a huge building site lasting three years, Neuer Markt rises from the ashes in all its new splendour. It is quickly restored to its rightful place as one of the most beautiful spots in central Vienna.